Ben Simmons to Miss Olympics

76ers star Ben Simmons has officially decided to pass up the opportunity to represent Australia in this summer's Olympic Games, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier today. Simmons will instead use the summer to hone his individual basketball skills:

Simmons plans to concentrate his summer on individual development and Team Australia is understanding of the decision, Paul said. https://t.co/jQX1V4JwZN
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2021

This is doubtless considered to be a wise decision for Simmons, whose disappointing 2021 playoff run was the cause of frustration for many NBA viewers. Spurs guard Patty Mills, who will be representing Australia, was vocal regarding Simmons's decision, saying, "now more than ever, we need to support Ben on his journey."

Patty Mills’ reaction to Ben Simmons’ Olympic withdrawal is more powerful when you watch him deliver it. A really great example of effective leadership. pic.twitter.com/TJVzIZGVdH
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) June 28, 2021

One can only hope that Simmons is committed to his development as a shooter: he took a total of three fourth-quarter field goal attempts in the in the 76ers' seven-game series against the Atlanta Hawks this year while recording a free-throw percentage of 34.2 in the playoffs.

The Simmons-less Australian team will play their first game against Nigeria on July 25 at 4:20 A.M. E.T.